Darwin International Airport boosts long-term car park security after boost in crime

Attacks on cars and vehicle thefts have forced Darwin International Airport to boost security measures at the long-term parking. See what the changes are and how much you’ll have to pay.

ANOTHER vehicle theft at Darwin International Airport has breached new security measures introduced last week.

Police say about 1.40am on Sunday, a silver Landcruiser belonging to a contractor was driven through a gate at Darwin Airport before being driven out of the area.

About 3.45am the vehicle was seen by Humpty Doo police officers driving north along Hopewell Rd, Berry Springs. Attempts to apprehend the 4WD were unsuccessful and a pursuit was initiated. The chase was terminated along Cox Peninsula Rd due to the vehicle being driven dangerously.

The vehicle was a 1994 model silver Toyota Landcruiser with NT registration 991938.

Last week, Darwin Airport introduced sweeping measures to end a surge in vehicle thefts in long-term carparks.

It followed the theft of two vehicles early Thursday morning and another the previous day.

The new measures included increased security staff, additional foot patrols, vehicles, guard dogs and increased CCTV.

An additional $2 security surcharge will be introduced to customers from September 1.

An Airport spokesman said it was disappointing vehicle thieves were targeting the airport.

“They appear to be making a concerted effort,” she said.

Members of the public are urged to contact police should they observe the vehicle.

SECURITY STEPPED UP

DARWIN International Airport is introducing sweeping security measures at its long-term car parks.

A spate of attacks on vehicles by vandals and an upsurge in vehicle thefts has prompted the change.

Two stolen vehicles and vandal attacks on vehicles overnight prompted the introduction of a raft of measures to stop the attacks.

Airport top brass has been deeply concerned about the raids, which have been growing in frequency in recent months.

The new measures involve a significant ratcheting up of car park security including additional foot and vehicle patrols, the use of dog patrols and the expansion of CCTV.

To help pay for the measures a security surcharge of $2 a day will be introduced to customers from September 1.

Airport executive general manager property and terminal Ross Baynes said airport management is “gravely concerned” about the escalation in crime at the airport.

“Darwin International Airport is gravely concerned about the damage and theft of vehicles from the airports’ car park,” he said. “This vandalism and theft is co-ordinated and brazen.

“Our customers expect their vehicles to be safe while parked at our airport and we are putting in place a number of measures to meet these expectations

“Effective immediately, existing around-the-clock security will be increased across all 2300 car parks. This includes additional foot, vehicle and dog patrols, with existing CCTV also expanded

“These necessary measures will significantly increase our operating costs and to partially offset these, current car park charges will increase.”

Airport officials have noticed an escalation in crime in recent months but the brazen nature of last night’s raids were a turning point.

“Customers have an expectation their vehicles are safe when left overnight and we want this vandalism to stop,” Mr Baynes said.

“There’s costs associated with these measures so it’s something we’re doing without a great deal of thought.

“The increase is a partial contribution to a significant cost. It is a significant investment in resources, vehicles and personnel.”

NT Police say a number of incidents have occurred at the airport in the past two days.

About 3.30am on Wednesday, police were notified that four vehicles had been damaged at the airport car park. Two Toyota Landcruisers, a Toyota HiLux and a Holden Commodore were all damaged in attempts to steal the vehicles. Investigations are continuing.

At around 8pm last night, two Landcruisers were stolen at the airport – one of which was used in the Noonamah ram raid. Both have since been recovered and six males are in custody assisting police with their inquiries.

Vehicle thefts in Darwin increased by 40 per cent in the year to June 30, 2022.